Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour with Taste Indy Food Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on paved urban sidewalks.
Overview
Taste Indy Food Tours’ Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour offers a 3.5-hour journey through Indianapolis’s culinary history and vibrant food scene, blending historic sites with dishes that celebrate the city’s evolving flavors.
Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour
3 Hours 30 Minutes
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
The Best of Massachusetts Avenue!
Duration
3 hours and 30 minutes
About
Our first Indianapolis food tour explores the commercial corridor bordering two of the earliest and most historic neighborhoods, Lockerbie and Chatham Arch. Massachusetts Avenue is a prominent commercial boulevard crossing a grid of residential, commercial and industrial buildings that developed mainly throughout the 19th century. The area is also home to an expanding food scene, hosting nearly two dozen locally owned restaurants. The restaurants throughout the area are a combination of long standing local favorites dating back to the 1800's and new hot spots embracing the culinary traditions of the area.
Your food tour may include the following tastings:
- hand made Italian specialties
- high end midwestern inspired dishes
- traditional German cuisine and drinks
- an Indianapolis' indigenous sandwich
- hand crafted desserts that utilize local produce
On the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour some historic highlights may include the following:
- James Whitcomb Riley home
- Historic Murat Theater
- Real Silk Lofts Stouts - the nation's oldest shoe store
- The Athenaeum - (Das Deutche Haus) home of the Rathskeller, the oldest and longest running restaurant in Indianapolis
The Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour will explore the advancement of Indianapolis cuisine over the past 150 years; from the traditions brought over by the city's original immigrants, to locally sourced progressive cuisine, all within a beautifully restored neighborhood.
What is not included? Tour guide gratuity is not included, but certainly appreciated!
Meeting Location: Massachusetts Ave. (Indianapolis, IN) (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour covers several blocks along Massachusetts Avenue, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Bring a Small Backpack
A compact pack can hold water, sunscreen, and any tastings you want to save for later.
Notify of Dietary Restrictions
Inform the company ahead of time about any allergies or dietary preferences to accommodate tastings.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water because while food is served, beverages may not always be included with every stop.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds like cardinals and sparrows
- Squirrels common in neighborhood parks
History
Massachusetts Avenue is a historically industrial and residential corridor with roots extending back to Indianapolis’s formative 19th-century growth.
Conservation
The neighborhood encourages supporting local businesses and sustainable culinary practices to preserve the area’s vibrant community and character.
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Adventure Hotspots in Indianapolis
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Critical for navigating city blocks comfortably through the entire tour.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warm weather or longer stretches between tastings.
summer|spring|fall|winter specific
Weather-Appropriate Outerwear
Layer up for cooler weather or pack a rain jacket for spring showers.
depends on season specific
Small Backpack or Daypack
Useful for carrying personal items, extra layers, and any leftovers.